The Day of Ashura is one of the most powerful and meaningful days in the Islamic calendar. Every year, on the 10th of Muharram, Muslims around the world pause. Some fast. Some reflect. Some gather in remembrance. But many people still ask simple questions. What is the Day of Ashura? Why is it important? Should you fast? What actually happened on this day?
If you are searching for the meaning of Ashura, the virtues of fasting on Ashura, or the history of the 10th of Muharram, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.
Let us explore it properly.
Quick Takeaways
• The Day of Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram
• It is a highly recommended day of fasting in Sunni Islam
• It marks the victory of Prophet Musa over Pharaoh
• It is also the day of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in Karbala
• Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year
Now let us go deeper.
What Is the Day of Ashura?
The word Ashura comes from the Arabic word ashara, which means ten. It refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Muharram itself is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. Allah says:
Arabic: إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا
Transliteration: Inna iddata ash shuhuri inda Allahi ithna ashara shahran
Translation: Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months – Surah At Tawbah 9:36
Muharram is one of those sacred months in which good deeds carry extra weight.
The Story of Prophet Musa and Ashura
One of the most well-known events connected to the Day of Ashura is the salvation of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, migrated to Madinah, he noticed that the Jews were fasting on the 10th of Muharram. He asked why. They said it was the day Allah saved Musa from Pharaoh. The Prophet responded:
Arabic: نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِمُوسَى مِنْكُمْ
Transliteration: Nahnu ahaqqu bi Musa minkum
Translation: We have more right to Musa than you – Sahih al Bukhari 2004
He then fasted that day and encouraged Muslims to fast as well.
This establishes the virtue of fasting on the Day of Ashura.
The Reward of Fasting on Ashura
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic: صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ
Transliteration: Siyamu yawmi Ashura ahtasibu ala Allahi an yukaffira as sanata allati qablahu
Translation: Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope from Allah that it expiates the sins of the previous year – Sahih Muslim 1162
This is a powerful reward. One day of fasting. Sins of the previous year forgiven, minor sins.
For many Muslims, this makes Ashura one of the most spiritually rewarding voluntary fasts of the year.
Should You Fast One Day or Two?
The Prophet later said:
Arabic: لَئِنْ بَقِيتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ
Transliteration: La in baqitu ila qabil la asumann at tasi
Translation: If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth – Sahih Muslim
Because of this, scholars recommend fasting:
- 9th and 10th Muharram
- Or 10th and 11th Muharram
This distinguishes Muslim practice. If you want maximum reward, fasting two days is best.
The Martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali
The Day of Ashura is also deeply significant in Islamic history because it marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The Battle of Karbala occurred on the 10th of Muharram in 680 CE. For many Muslims, especially within the Shia tradition, Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance. Husayn stood for justice, integrity, and moral courage. His sacrifice remains one of the most emotional and powerful events in Islamic history. Even in Sunni scholarship, his martyrdom is recognized as a tragedy. The Prophet once said about Hasan and Husayn:
Arabic: الْحَسَنُ وَالْحُسَيْنُ سَيِّدَا شَبَابِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ
Transliteration: Al Hasan wal Husayn sayyida shababi ahlil jannah
Translation: Hasan and Husayn are the leaders of the youth of Paradise – Tirmidhi 3768
This shows their immense status.
Why Ashura Matters Today
In today’s world, where many people feel spiritually disconnected, Ashura offers something simple and powerful. Reflection. Gratitude. Repentance. It reminds you that:
- Oppression does not last
- Truth eventually wins
- Patience is rewarded
Ashura is not just historical. It is deeply personal.
Common Misconceptions about Ashura
Let us clarify a few common misunderstandings.
- Ashura is not a required fast like Ramadan. It is highly recommended, not obligatory.
- There is no authentic hadith prescribing special rituals, specific foods, or superstitious practices on this day.
- The focus is fasting, repentance, and remembrance.
Global Muslim Observance
According to Pew Research Center, Islam is one of the fastest growing religions globally. With nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, observances like Ashura connect communities across continents. Ashura is observed in different cultural ways, but the core remains the same.
Fasting. Reflection. Spiritual renewal.
Practical Guide for Observing the Day of Ashura
If you want to observe Ashura properly, here is a simple plan.
- Intend to fast for the sake of Allah
- Fast on the 9th and 10th if possible
- Increase dua and dhikr
- Reflect on the story of Musa
- Make sincere repentance
Short. Clear. Powerful.
The Spiritual Psychology of Ashura
Fasting strengthens discipline. Repentance builds humility. Reflection builds clarity.
Modern studies show that structured fasting practices can increase mindfulness and self-control. Spiritual fasting combines both physical restraint and emotional growth.
Ashura becomes a yearly reset button.
Conclusion
The Day of Ashura is not just another date on the Islamic calendar. It is a day of gratitude, repentance, courage, and renewal.
It commemorates the rescue of Musa. It remembers the sacrifice of Husayn. It offers you forgiveness for past mistakes.
If you have never fasted on Ashura before, consider making this year different.
One day. One intention. One powerful opportunity.
FAQs:
What date is the Day of Ashura?
It is the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.
Is fasting on Ashura mandatory?
No. It is highly recommended but not obligatory.
What is the reward of fasting on Ashura?
It expiates the minor sins of the previous year according to Sahih Muslim.
Why do some Muslims mourn on Ashura?
It marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala.
Can I fast only the 10th of Muharram?
Yes, but scholars recommend adding the 9th or 11th for distinction.
